Effectiveness of Comprehensive Lifestyle Interventions on Disease Activity and Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune illness that significantly lowers quality of life in its victims. Although pharmaceutical therapies are the norm, more focus is being paid to lifestyle changes as a means of controlling disease activity. Objectives: The impact of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program on patients' quality of life and disease activity with systemic lupus erythematosus was assessed in this research. Methodology: Total 100 individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus were enrolled in a randomized controlled experiment and split into two groups: the intervention group (n = 50) and the control group (n = 50). Over a six-month period, the intervention comprised stress management, consistent exercise, and dietary adjustments. Changes in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) Scores were the primary endpoint; quality of life, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were the secondary objectives. Results: The SLEDAI scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (mean change: -4.2 vs. -1.3, p<0.01). Improvements in the SF-36 survey's physical and mental components showed a substantial increase in quality of life. Furthermore, there were higher drops in blood serum CRP and ESR levels in the intervention group (CRP: -3.5 mg/L vs. -1.2 mg/L, p≤0.05; ESR: -10 mm/hr vs. -3 mm/hr, p≤0.05). Conclusion: Diet, exercise, and stress management are examples of lifestyle therapies that have been shown to dramatically lower disease activity and enhance quality of life in SLE patients. The inclusion of lifestyle adjustments in standard SLE treatment procedures is supported by these findings.